by - March 29, 2017 7:30 pm
Senate votes for medical marijuana tax
The Arkansas Senate voted Wednesday for a bill imposing a special privilege tax on medical marijuana. House Bill 1580 by Rep. Doug House, R-North Little Rock, imposes a 4% special…
Talk Politics
by - March 29, 2017 3:49 pm
Revenue concerns likely first issue for Arkansas Blue Ribbon tax panel
The newly authorized Blue Ribbon tax panel will immediately face the issue of state revenue potentially coming in below forecast. After Wednesday’s (March 29) session-ending budget meeting, Senate President Pro…
by - March 29, 2017 3:23 pm
State lawmakers close out budget for 2017 session, concerns about budget shortfall noted
Arkansas lawmakers on Wednesday put the final touches on the state’s overall budget for fiscal 2018, including setting aside millions of dollars in expected surplus funds for the governor’s Quick…
by - March 29, 2017 3:19 pm
Panel says no to bill requiring pricing in bids
The House State Agencies and Government Affairs Committee said no Wednesday to a bill that would require government agencies and higher education institutions to consider price when accepting bids for…
by - March 28, 2017 8:48 pm
President Trump signs order to repeal Obama administration’s climate change rules, Arkansas officials cheer
Arkansas’ congressional delegation and government officials on Tuesday praised President Donald Trump’s decision to roll back many of the Obama administration’s climate change initiatives, including the far-reaching Clean Power Plan…
by - March 28, 2017 7:14 pm
Amazon tax bill rejected on the third attempt as legislative session nears end
The third time was not a charm for controversial legislation that would allow Amazon.com and other remote online retailers to collect and remit possibly hundreds of millions of dollars to…
by - March 28, 2017 7:05 pm
Bill restricting guns at sporting events advances after SEC expresses concern
A bill that would restrict the ability of individuals to carry a concealed weapon into college sporting events, UAMS and the Arkansas State Hospital passed the House Judiciary Committee Tuesday,…
by - March 28, 2017 7:01 pm
House committee advances school choice bill
The House Education Committee advanced a bill to the full House that would allow tax-credited donations for education savings accounts that would pay for students to attend alternatives to public…
by - March 28, 2017 3:51 pm
Fort Smith city boss to travel to D.C. to argue for relief on federally mandated sewer work
Fort Smith City Administrator Carl Geffken is done with sewer rate increases for the foreseeable future, stating his administration would no longer entertain increases as long as prices were at…
by - March 28, 2017 7:31 am
Former candidate blasts Fort Smith School Board over alleged double standard
Former Fort Smith School Board candidate Greg Murray blasted the School Board for circumstances surrounding his loss to current Board member Talicia Richardson at Monday night’s (March 27) meeting. Richardson…
by - March 27, 2017 9:48 pm
Legislators get look at state general revenue budget
Legislators Monday received an outline of the state’s general revenue budget for the 2017-18 fiscal year as the session began what is expected to be its final week. The $5.5…
by - March 27, 2017 9:46 pm
House advances amendment amending amendment process
The Arkansas House of Representatives voted to advance a third constitutional amendment for the voters to consider – one that would change the amendment process itself. The proposed amendment would…
by - March 27, 2017 7:52 pm
Death penalty expert calls Arkansas’ execution schedule ‘unprecedented in modern era’
One of the nation’s top death penalty experts said Arkansas’ four sets of executions scheduled only 21 days from now are “unprecedented in the modern era of the U.S. death…
by - March 27, 2017 7:46 pm
Federal suit filed to block eight executions in Arkansas set for April
Eight Arkansas death-row inmates scheduled to be put to death over a 10-day period in April filed a federal lawsuit Monday (March 27) asking the court for an expedited hearing…
by - March 27, 2017 3:58 pm
Jonesboro officials set to unveil program to help the homeless
One of Jonesboro Mayor Harold Perrin’s goals has been to eliminate homelessness in the city. A new program, Helping Underserved Belong, HUB will be launched April 4 to help him…
by - March 26, 2017 2:21 pm
Group will oppose further efforts to make the Christian Bible the official book in the state
The Arkansas Society of Freethinkers (ASF) will oppose any efforts to make the Christian Bible the official book of Arkansas, ASF President Anne Orsi told Talk Business & Politics. A…
by - March 26, 2017 9:30 am
Rep. Crawford surprised by Comey disclosure, ‘all options’ on table with North Korea
Rep. Rick Crawford, R-Jonesboro, said he was surprised when FBI director James Comey revealed to the House Intelligence Committee that an investigation of Trump ties to Russia had been underway…
by - March 25, 2017 4:03 pm
Rep. Gray selected to lead Arkansas Democrats
House Minority Leader and State Rep. Michael John Gray, D-Augusta, was elected as the new chairman of the Democratic Party of Arkansas. He succeeds Vincent Insalaco, who steered the state’s…
by - March 24, 2017 4:29 pm
Gov. Hutchinson: Legislative accomplishments and ‘greater milestones’
After nearly three months, the work of the Arkansas General Assembly is nearing completion. And while there is more work to be done, I am very pleased that all of…
by - March 24, 2017 3:50 pm
Obamacare repeal pulled for lack of votes; unclear if or how soon Congress will tackle healthcare
Lacking the votes for passage, Republican U.S. House leaders pulled the bill that would repeal and replace Obamacare shortly before it was scheduled for a Friday (March 24) vote. Republican…